Projects

National

MULCOMAT – Multifunkčné kompozitné materiály pre cielenú detekciu, adsorpciu a dekontamináciu nebezpečných organických molekúl
Multifunctional composite materials for detection, adsorption and decontamination of hazardous organic molecules
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	Mgr. Jankovič Ľuboš, PhD.
Annotation:	The proposed project is focused on the development of new generation of organo-modified clay minerals using poly(2-alkenyl-2-oxazolines) as representatives of non-ionic, but still highly polar polymers. We expect that organo-modification of montmorillonites using this type of polymers will lead to organoclay materials with more efficient intercalation and thus, with higher adsorption efficiency toward various hazardous organic molecules. The presence of poly(2-alkenyl-2-oxazolines) and poly(2-alkenyl-2-oxazines) in the gallery of clay minerals will ensure catalytic decomposition of hazardous organic molecules. In our case, we use for the evaluation of adsorption and hydrolytic decomposition organophosphate as organic compounds widely used as pesticides and they habe been already used as chemical warfare agents. The combination of improved adsorption and accelerated hydrolytic decomposition of studied organophosphates represents the main innovative aspect of the project and pave an avenue to montmorillonite-based nanoreactors for dephosphorylation reactions of neurotoxic organophosphate agents. Here, we present metal-free catalytic systems that are potentially usable for human and environmental protection. Moreover, poly(2-alkenyl-2-oxazolines) and poly(2-alkenyl-2-oxazines) represent new groups of polymers with reactive pendant 2-oxazoline and 2-oxazine groups, respectively, capable to provide post-polymerization reactions with carboxylic groups. In our case, 2-oxazoline groups will be used for the structural stabilization during melt mixing with carboxylic units containing polymer matrices.
Duration:	1.7.2024 – 30.6.2028

Photomat – Fotofunkčné hybridné materiály organických luminofórov a nanočastíc vrstevnatých silikátov
Photofunctional hybrid materials of organic luminophores and nanoparticles of layered silicates
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	Mgr. Boháč Peter, PhD.
Annotation:	The topic of the project is based on modern trends in materials research, and the experience and recent results of the project team. It was discovered that adsorption, intercalation, or molecular aggregation of specific types of organic molecules can significantly increase their photoactivity, manifesting as an increase in luminescence. The strategy of increasing photoactivity will be the main objective of the project. Each of the phenomena should be applied depending on the molecular structure of the luminophores. The project will focus on hybrids of photoactive organic luminophores and layered silicates. Structurally optimized S,N-heteroaromatic dyes and their ion metal complexes will be prepared within the project. Heteroaromatic systems will be modified by cationic groups or their functionalization with cationic metal ions including Ru(II), Ir(III), Au(III), and others to increase the compatibility of these chromophores with silicates and achieve the required photophysical properties. Appropriate selection of the layered carrier, choice of chemical modification, and suitable conditions for the synthesis of hybrid systems will be the key factors to achieve the project objectives. In addition to improving the properties of molecules, other goals will be to prepare complex functional materials with efficient use of light energy. Here, the organization of molecules in nanostructural hybrids will play a key role to achieve optimal photophysical interactions aimed at specific functionality. In addition to luminescent properties, the aim will be to prepare hybrids with mainly photosensitizing properties. The last step will be the use of nanoparticles for the modification of technical polymers by the formation of nanocomposites. The objective will be obtaining surfaces with photosensitizing and photodisinfection properties, which will be tested for the growth of microbial biofilms.
Duration:	1.7.2023 – 30.6.2026

NIPOFABs – Smerom k nanotechnológiám využívajúcim bioaktívne častice/molekuly v boji proti mikrobiálnym biofilmom
Towards nanotechnologies using bioactive particles/molecules in the fight against microbial biofilms
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	Ing. Pálková Helena, PhD.
Annotation:	The topic of submitted project reflects current scientific challenges using the strategy of an interdisciplinary approach in tackling the highly urgent issues of microbial biofilms. It is focused on the fields of basic and molecular microbiology in association with study of the prevention or eradication of microbial biofilms using novel hybrid materials. In the project, biological research is closely linked to various approaches in the field of the nanomaterial chemistry. The main subject of the study will cover multispecies biofilms, not only composed of bacteria but also of yeasts and their mutual combinations, which reflects their significance in biofilm-associated infections. The tested microorganisms will include Staphylococcus aureus, enterococci, Escherichia coli, and representatives of yeasts of the genus Candida. The formation of biofilms, interspecies interactions, including the role of quorum sensing molecules in these processes, as well as the effectiveness of bioactive particles/molecules in the prevention and eradication of biofilms, including the phenomenon of multidrug resistance, will be studied in detail by modern microbiological methods. Hybrid materials based on inorganic layered nanoparticles in the role of carriers of bioactive organic molecules, in particular photosensitizers, will be used as active materials. Functionalized nanoparticles will be used to modify the surfaces of selected types of polymers often used in medical practice. The aim will be to prepare new or improved materials to achieve maximal antimicrobial effectiveness. The results of the project could bring new knowledge in the topic of microbial biofilms, but also in the preparation of antimicrobial hybrid systems applicable in various fields of nanomedicine.
Duration:	1.7.2022 – 30.6.2026

Vývoj hybridných nanomateriálov s antimokrobiálnymi vlastnosťami založených na vrstevnatých silikátoch a xanténových farbivách
Development of Hybrid Nanomaterials with Antimicrobial Properties based on Layered Silicates and Xantene Dyes
Program:	PostdokGrant
Project leader:	Mgr. Pribus Marek, PhD.
Annotation:	The presented project is focused on the preparation of a nanocomposite material based on a clay mineral – saponite and a photosensitizer – xanthene dye. The main objective of the project is development of a material with a thin layer of nanocomposite on the surface of a polymer matrix with antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties. At first, hybrid nanomaterial will be prepared in the form of a colloidal dispersion. Then thin films of hybrid nanomaterial will be applied on a surface of polymer matrix. The prepared colloidal dispersions will be characterized by physico-chemical methods such as absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The hybrid films deposited on the polymer matrix will be characterized using X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. Finally, the antimicrobial properties of the prepared nanocomposite materials will be tested.
Duration:	1.7.2024 – 31.12.2025